Electric vehicle charging at night, blue charging cable connected to a dark sports car EV charging cable plugged into a car

Electric Vehicle Leasing and Fleet Solutions in New Zealand

FleetPartners gives New Zealand businesses access to a wide range of electric vehicles on lease, from a single car to a full fleet solution. Whether you're a small business owner looking for one vehicle or a fleet manager overseeing dozens, you'll benefit from lower running costs than petrol equivalents, no large upfront commitment, and expert support every step of the way.

$2,300-$3,200

Estimated annual fuel savings per vehcile (EECA)

40+ 

Electric and hybrid brands available to lease

45+

Years helping New Zealand Businesses manage their vehicles

THE NUMBERS

Fuel Costs are rising. Electric vehicles cost significantly less to run. 

Electric vehicle drivers in New Zealand spend significantly less on energy than petrol drivers. Based on average driving distances, the gap is large enough to make a meaningful difference to business budgets. Exact savings will vary depending on driving patterns and your energy tariff, but the figures below are based on averages from EECA and Waka Kotahi

Figures are estimates based on publicly available NZ data. The 14,000 km annual average is used by EECA, the AA and Inland Revenue for vehicle running cost calculations. Model your own savings with the EECA vehicle comparison calculator. Individual results will vary.

fuel-petrol

Annual fuel savings: ~$2,300-$3,200 per vehicle

A petrol vehicle (9L/100km) costs roughly $3,200–$4,000 per year in fuel. An equivalent Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) on the same 14,000 km costs approximately $600–$900 in electricity at average NZ residential rates (EECA).

fuel-petrol

Lower servicing costs

EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol vehicles — no oil changes, fewer brake replacements, and a simpler drivetrain. For fleets, this translates directly to reduced maintenance costs in your lease rate and less down time.

fixed-monthly-payments

Cost predictability through fixed lease payments

Your monthly lease payment is fixed for the term, and because EVs run on electricity rather than petrol, you're sheltered from fuel price swings too. Both costs stay predictable, which makes budgeting simpler.

WHY LEASE

Why Leasing an EV makes financial sense in New Zealand

Leasing an EV gives you access to the latest electric vehicle models without the upfront cost of purchasing outright, with monthly payments that are simple to budget for. For businesses looking at the numbers, an operating lease also keeps assets off the balance sheet.

number-one

No large upfront costs
Access new EVs from day one without a large upfront cost. Preserve your capital for growth.

number-two

Fixed monthly payments
Make costs predictable and easier to manage across your business. 

number-three

Access to the latest models
Access the newest EVs and cutting-edge battery technology as the New Zealand market evolves — without the depreciation risk of owning in a fast-moving market.

number-four

Servicing and maintenance
With our national buying power and supplier network, discounts on scheduled servicing and maintenance are built right into your monthly lease rate.

number-five

Upgrade your vehicle
At the end of your lease term simply return your vehicle and upgrade to a new EV with the latest technology. 

UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS

BEV, PHEV or hybrid: which type of electric vehicle suits you?

Not all electric vehicles work the same way. The right choice depends on your driving patterns, access to charging and total cost priorities. Here's how the main categories compare.

 

Feature

BEV - Battery Electric Vehicle

PHEV - Plug-in Hybrid

Hybrid (non-plug-in)

How it works

Runs entirely on electricity stored in a rechargeable battery

Electric motor plus a petrol engine; battery charged via plug or regenerative braking

Petrol engine assisted by electric motor; battery charged only by driving

Charging required

Yes — home, workplace or public charging

Yes — plug-in charging extends EV range

No plug-in charging needed

Fuel use

Zero petrol use

Petrol used beyond electric range

Petrol primary, electric assists

Running costs

Lowest — electricity only (est. $600–$900/year at 14,000 km)

Low-to-medium — depends on charging habits

Medium — petrol dependent, lower than standard ICE

Best suited for

Urban commuting, intercity routes, predictable mileage

Mixed routes, operators needing range flexibility or ute capability

High-km drivers or areas with limited charging access

CO2 emissions

Zero tailpipe emissions

Lower than petrol when on electric mode

Reduced vs standard petrol

Example models

Tesla Model 3, BYD Atto 3, MG4, Audi e-tron, Dongfeng Vigo

BYD Shark, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Toyota Rav4, Kia Sportage, GWM Haval H6, Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Tucson

FleetPartners can advise on which vehicle type best fits your business or individual needs. Options across all three categories are available through the FleetPartners. Contact our team to discuss the right fit for your situation.

AVAILABLE MODELS

Electric vehicles available to lease through FleetPartners

FleetPartners offers a range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles from leading brands across New Zealand. Below are just some of the vehicles you can lease through FleetPartners. 

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BEV
Tesla Model 3

A fully electric sedan available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, with a range of up to 750 km on a full charge — enough to cover Auckland to Wellington and back without stopping. One of the most popular electric cars in New Zealand, well suited to daily commuting and regular intercity runs, with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and access to Tesla's nationwide Supercharger network.

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BEV
Tesla Model Y

A fully electric SUV with five seats, up to 2,138 litres of boot space with the rear seats folded, and a range of up to 600 km on a full charge (all-wheel drive). A practical all-rounder for businesses that need a bit more space, with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and access to Tesla's Supercharger network across New Zealand.

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BEV
BYD Atto 3

A fully electric compact SUV with a range of up to 420 km on a full charge and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Comfortable for five passengers with practical boot space, making it a popular choice for New Zealand businesses looking for a reliable, low-cost electric vehicle for everyday use.

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BYD shark

PHEV
BYD Shark 6

A plug-in hybrid double-cab ute — not fully electric — combining electric motors with a petrol engine for a total range of up to 800 km. It runs on electricity for shorter urban trips, then switches to petrol when needed, making it well suited to businesses that need ute capability day-to-day but want to cut fuel costs where possible.

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BEV
MG4

A fully electric five-door hatchback with a range of up to 452 km on a full charge and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Compact enough for city driving, with rear-wheel drive and fast-charging capability — a well-priced electric option for New Zealand businesses looking to keep running costs down.

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BEV
MG S5

A fully electric compact SUV with a range of up to 425 km on a full charge, five seats and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Available in two battery sizes to suit different budgets, with rear-wheel drive and competitive pricing — a straightforward electric SUV option for New Zealand businesses.

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BEV
Dongfeng Vigo

A fully electric compact SUV with a range of up to 340 km on a full charge and fast-charging capability — the battery goes from near-empty to 80% in around 18 minutes. It can also power tools and devices directly from the vehicle, making it a practical option for businesses that work on the go.

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BEV
Audi Q4 e-tron

A fully electric premium SUV with a range of up to 550 km on a full charge, five seats and 520 litres of boot space — expanding to 1,490 litres with the rear seats folded. Available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, it's a strong choice for businesses where vehicle presentation and day-to-day practicality both matter.

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BEV & PHEV
Volvo EX30 & XC60

The EX30 is a fully electric compact SUV with a range of up to 462 km on a full charge and Volvo's well-regarded safety credentials in a smaller, city-friendly package. The XC60 is a plug-in hybrid that runs on electricity for shorter trips — up to 67 km — then switches to petrol, making it a practical option for businesses that regularly cover longer distances.

Availability is subject to current stock. Contact FleetPartners for up-to-date model availability and pricing.

FOR FLEET MANAGERS

Managing the transition to an electric fleet in New Zealand

Switching your vehicles to electric involves more than just picking a car. It takes planning across charging, driver behaviour, vehicle tracking and day-to-day management. FleetPartners works alongside New Zealand businesses as a transition partner, not just a lease provider, to make the whole process straightforward and achievable.

Understanding the business case for switching to electric is the starting point. From there, the transition typically covers four key areas:

Charging infrastructure

Options for home, workplace, and public charging need to be planned based on how your fleet operates. FleetPartners can advise on the right charging setup for different fleet types and usage patterns.

Fleet management systems

Telematics and reporting change when vehicles are electric. Battery health monitoring, charge status and energy consumption data become part of the fleet management picture alongside traditional metrics.

Driver transition

Supporting drivers through range confidence, charging habits and behaviour change is a critical yet often overlooked part of a successful fleet switch. Our practical training, hands-on EV test drives and expert-led resources ensure your people feel confident, supported and excited for the journey ahead.

Phased transition

Many businesses start with a mixed fleet — replacing high-mileage vehicles first and phasing in the remainder over time. A phased approach reduces risk and allows the business to build capability progressively.

See how other New Zealand businesses have made the switch in our customer stories. For businesses working toward ESG reporting requirements, fleet electrification is increasingly a core part of the strategy.

For a detailed guide to planning a full or partial fleet switch, visit our strategy to implementation page.

RUNNING COST COMPARISON

What does an electric vehicle cost to run compared to petrol?

The true cost of a vehicle extends beyond the purchase price or monthly lease rate. Energy, servicing and emissions all add up differently depending on whether you're driving petrol or electric. Based on the average New Zealand vehicle travelling 14,000 km per year, the numbers tell a pretty clear story.

Cost category

Petrol vehicle (NZ average)

Electric vehicle (NZ average)

Annual fuel / energy cost

~$3,200–$4,000 (petrol @ 9L/100km)

~$600–$900 (electricity at residential rates)

Annual servicing estimate

Note: Servicing and maintenance costs are included in a Fully Maintained Operating Lease at discounted rates.

~$800-$1,200

~$400-$700 (fewer moving parts, no oil changes)

CO2 emissions

~140–220 g/km (depending on model)

Zero tailpipe emissions

Lease rate (indicative)

$000-$000

$000-$000

Sources: EECA (electricity cost estimates), AA New Zealand (petrol cost estimates), Waka Kotahi (average annual km). Figures are indicative only based on published averages at the time of writing. Individual results will vary based on driving patterns, vehicle model and energy tariff. Petrol pricing confirmed at time of publication.

$32K
est. annual saving 
(10 vehicle fleet)

Fleet of 10 vehicles? The savings add up fast. 

Switching 10 vehicles from petrol to EV represents a potential annual saving of $23,000–$32,000 in fuel costs alone.

FAQS

Common questions about EV Leasing in New Zealand

Answers to the questions we hear most often from individuals and fleet managers across New Zealand.

    Is leasing an EV a good idea in New Zealand?

    Yes, and for most New Zealand businesses the question worth asking first is: do you actually need to own the vehicle, or do you just need the use of it? You wouldn't pay three years of staff salaries upfront — the same logic applies to vehicles. Leasing frees up capital for the things that actually grow your business.
     

    A lease bundles your vehicle cost, servicing and maintenance into a single monthly payment, so there are no large upfront costs and no surprise bills. You also avoid the resale risk that comes with owning — with around 40+ EV brands currently for sale in New Zealand, it's a fair question how many will still be supported in three or four years. With a lease, that risk sits with FleetPartners, not you.


    There's also the management side. Looking after a vehicle or a pool of vehicles is effectively a part-time job that usually lands on someone who already has one. Are the vehicles on the right tyres? Are vans or utes within their weight limits? Are they compliant? Leasing through FleetPartners takes that off your plate, reduces your health and safety exposure, and returns your staff to the roles that actually move your business forward.

      What is the difference between a BEV and a PHEV?

      A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) runs entirely on electricity stored in a rechargeable battery pack — it has no petrol engine. A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) combines an electric motor with a petrol engine; you can charge it via a plug to drive on electricity for shorter trips, but the petrol engine takes over on longer journeys or when the battery is depleted. BEVs deliver zero tailpipe emissions and the lowest running costs; PHEVs offer greater range flexibility but still use petrol beyond the electric range. See our BEV vs PHEV comparison above for a full breakdown.

        Can I lease a Tesla Model 3 through FleetPartners NZ?

        Yes. FleetPartners offers the Tesla Model 3 and other Tesla models on lease in New Zealand. The Model 3 is one of the most popular fleet EVs in the country, well suited to urban commuting and intercity driving. Availability and pricing are subject to current stock. Contact FleetPartners directly for up-to-date information and to get a quote.

          Can I lease a BYD Shark in New Zealand?

          Yes. The BYD Shark is available through FleetPartners. It's important to note that the BYD Shark is a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) ute — not a fully electric vehicle. It combines an electric motor with a petrol engine, giving you ute capability alongside an electric driving mode for urban routes. It's well suited to operators who need working vehicle performance with reduced running costs in the city. Contact FleetPartners for current availability and to get a quote.

            How does EV charging work for a business fleet?

            Business fleets typically use a combination of workplace charging, home charging (for drivers who park at home), and public charging. The right setup depends on your fleet type, driving patterns and infrastructure. FleetPartners can help businesses plan their charging setup as part of the fleet transition process — this is a key part of how we support customers beyond just the lease itself.

              What EV brands can I lease through FleetPartners?

              FleetPartners can lease any new electric vehicle available in New Zealand — including Tesla, BYD, MG, Audi, Volvo, Dongfeng and more. If it's available new in New Zealand, we can more than likely get it on a lease for you. Contact us for current availability and pricing on the model you have in mind.

                Are there EV lease options for vans or utes?

                Yes. For utes, both the BYD Shark 6 and the Ford Ranger are available as plug-in hybrids. For vans, there are fully electric options available in New Zealand right now, including the Ford e-Transit and the LDV eDeliver 9. Contact FleetPartners to find out what's available and right for your business.

                  What are the tax and FBT considerations when leasing an EV in NZ?

                  Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) treatment of electric vehicles in New Zealand has specific rules that vary depending on how the vehicle is used — whether it's available for private use, the type of vehicle, and your business structure. We recommend speaking with a tax adviser for guidance specific to your situation. FleetPartners can provide general information as part of a fleet consultation to help you understand the variables involved. We don't provide specific tax advice, but our team can point you toward the right questions to ask your accountant.

                  HELPFUL GUIDES

                  Helpful guides for your EV journey

                  Whether you're at the beginning of your EV journey or ready to start your fleet transition, these resources will help you go further.

                  EV-strategy-to-implementation


                  Strategy to implementation

                  A step-by-step guide to planning and executing your fleet's transition to electric vehicles.

                  Read more

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                  Benefits to switch

                  The full business case for transitioning your fleet to electric. Financial, operational, and beyond. 

                  Read more

                  customer-story


                  Customer stories

                  How New Zealand businesses are making the switch to EV fleets.

                  Read more

                  Co2-Reporting


                  Guide to ESG requirements

                  Understand how fleet electrification supports your ESG reporting obligations and climate commitments.

                  Read more

                  GET STARTED

                  Ready to make the switch to electric?

                  FleetPartners helps New Zealand individuals and businesses access the right electric vehicle on the right lease terms. Get in touch with our team today.